Plaster Systems and Heritage Work
Burnaby Village Museum. Section of wall exposing the different stages of a wood lath and plaster finish. Traditional plaster systems...
Burnaby Village Museum. Section of wall exposing the different stages of a wood lath and plaster finish. Traditional plaster systems...
Four Key Problems to Check: 1. Cupping on Beveled Edges Problem: Cupping occurs on backside of beveled edges Remedy: Bridge with...
The construction industry has faced significant drywall installation problems since the 1970s, with repair costs sometimes reaching...
Burnaby Village Museum. Section of wall exposing the different stages of a wood lath and plaster finish. Traditional plaster systems were used extensively in construction before the widespread adoption of drywall in the mid-20th century.
The wood lath system consists of thin strips of wood nailed horizontally across the wall studs, with gaps between them. Plaster is then applied in multiple coats — scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat — each serving a specific purpose in building up the wall surface.
At The Mud Slinger, our heritage restoration work requires a deep understanding of these traditional systems. Matching original finishes and replicating historic plaster textures demands both technical knowledge and artistic skill honed over decades of practice.
Preserving traditional plaster systems in heritage buildings maintains historical integrity and often provides superior acoustic and thermal performance compared to modern drywall alternatives. Our team is proud to carry forward these time-honoured techniques.
Four Key Problems to Check before and during drywall installation. A proper inspection ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish and avoids costly remediation later.
Problem: Cupping occurs on the backside of beveled edges when boards absorb moisture unevenly.
Remedy: Bridge with joint compound across the recess; allow adequate drying time between coats.
Problem: A ridge forms along the centre of the board as the gypsum core expands and contracts with humidity changes.
Remedy: Allow boards to acclimatize to the environment before installation; ensure the building is climate-controlled during finishing.
Problem: Fasteners back out over time due to lumber shrinkage, creating raised bumps on the surface.
Remedy: Drive a new screw 2 inches above or below the popped fastener; dimple, fill, sand, and repaint.
Problem: Cracks appear along taped joints due to structural movement, rapid drying, or insufficient coats of compound.
Remedy: Re-tape with fibreglass mesh or paper tape; apply a minimum of three coats of compound and feather edges wide.
The construction industry has faced significant drywall installation problems since the 1970s, with repair costs sometimes reaching millions of dollars on large commercial projects. Understanding these systemic issues helps contractors and homeowners make better decisions.
Imported drywall produced sulphur-based off-gassing that corroded copper pipes, wiring, and HVAC components. Thousands of homes required full remediation — removal of all drywall, wiring, and plumbing. Always source drywall from reputable, certified North American suppliers.
Improperly stored or installed drywall absorbs moisture, providing an ideal environment for mould growth. Boards must be kept off the ground, away from exterior walls, and installed in a climate-controlled environment. Moisture-resistant and mould-resistant boards should be specified in wet areas.
The skilled trades shortage has led to undertrained installers rushing through jobs. Common consequences include visible fastener patterns, poor feathering, and failed taping. Hiring experienced, licensed contractors like The Mud Slinger ensures workmanship that meets or exceeds industry standards.
With over 60 years in the industry, our team has navigated every major shift in drywall standards and materials. We stay current with building codes, manufacturer specifications, and best-practice installation methods to deliver results that stand the test of time.